For Immediate Release Department of Public Health
September 23, 2012 Contact: William Gerrish
(860) 2508391
Hartford - The Connecticut Department of Public Health warns consumers that Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter Made With Sea Salt may be related to a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney infection. DPH is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and public health officials in several states to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella Bredeney infection that may be linked to consumption of this product. Nationally, there have been 29 reported cases of illness, with three illnesses reported in Connecticut.
Trader Joe’s has voluntarily removed this product for sale from its stores. Consumers should be aware that this product is also available online via various shopping websites. Customers who have purchased this item are urged to not eat the product.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection included diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 6 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 2 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient requires hospitalization. Older adults, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness from Salmonella infection. Anyone who recently consumed Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter Made with Sea Salt and then became ill with these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
For more information about the multi-state outbreak, visit http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/bredeney-09-12/advice-consumers.html
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